Controlled Release of GM Banana in Australia

The Queensland University of Technology (QUT) has received an approval from Australia's Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) for the limited and controlled release of up to 17 banana lines genetically modified for disease resistance. The release will take place in Cassowary Coast, Queensland on a maximum total area of 1.4 ha between July 2008 and April 2010. The GM lines contain the ced-9 gene from the nematode C. elegans that is expected to provide the plants protection against pathogenic microorganisms. The gene encodes a protein that prevents plant cells from undergoing programmed cell death (apoptosis) in response to pathogen attack. The banana lines also contain the antibiotic selectable marker gene nptII.

The decision to issue the license was made after extensive consultation on the Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) with the public, State and Territory governments and relevant local councils. None of the GM bananas will be used as food or animal feed as the trials only aim to conduct proof of concept experiments on their disease response.

For more information, visit http://www.ogtr.gov.au/internet/ogtr/publishing.nsf/Content/dir079-2007